Your FIDM Story
29 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 15 ratingsWelcome to the Your FIDM Story Podcast! FIDM is a world-renowned college in Los Angeles that has been teaching students how to become creative professionals for more than 50 years. We are a community of thinkers, dreamers, and innovators, committed to making an impact on the world through the application of design and business principles. Every other week, we'll sit down with members of the community: students, alumni, faculty, and staff, where you’ll hear stories of success, failure, and life lessons learned along the way. You’ll walk away with real-world advice that you can apply to your own career and the inspiration to create your own story. Welcome to Your FIDM Story.
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Episodes
The Challenges of Running a Small Business with Marisol Diaz
December 14, 2022 10:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBMarisol Diaz chats with special guest host Fanny Ramirez about launching Marisol Diaz Boutique as a fresh college grad in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. She shares essential business tips that she’s gained first-hand as she discusses the challenges of running a small business while also working as a freelance seamstress for clients including Karol G, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Megan Thee Stallion. She also shares what it was like to work with Doja Cat for her 2022 Coachella performance.
Jurassic Graphic Design with Nima Neemz Nakhshab
November 30, 2022 20:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBFor today’s episode, we are diving into the world of graphic design in the entertainment industry. Our special guest, Nima Neemz Nakhshab, recently collaborated with Universal Pictures on a 40th-anniversary project celebrating iconic Steven Spielberg films Jurassic Park, Jaws, Back To The Future, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. A movie poster and key art designer based in Orange County, California, Nakhshab has worked with studios Universal Pictures, Spotify, Netflix, and Sony Music, as well...
Designing Looks for Netflix's The School for Good and Evil Film Premiere
November 16, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBFor today's episode, we are joined by not one but four designers who just wrapped up an incredible project. In celebration of the launch of the new film "The School For Good and Evil," FIDM partnered with Netflix to reimagine the “Never” and “Ever” costumes from the movie. Inspired by the film, four designers were hand selected to create custom ready-to-wear outfits that debuted at the Los Angeles red carpet world premiere.
Being Your Authentic Self in a Creative Field with Dr. Gwenael Matos
November 02, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBAuthenticity is a buzzword many creatives crave to express how they want to be in the world for themselves, others, and their business. Let’s unpack what authenticity is, what it isn’t, and how to remain authentic throughout life. FIDM Personal Counselor and Faculty Member Dr. Gwenael Matos joins Your FIDM Story to share her perspective.
How Fabian Renteria Showed at NYFW Just One Year After Graduating from FIDM
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBImagine flying to New York City and showing in New York Fashion Week just a year after showcasing your first collection in FIDM’s DEBUT Runway Show. In this week’s episode of Your FIDM Story, Spencer talks with designer Fabian Renteria. Listen along as Fabian discusses his journey to FIDM, his premiere collection inspired by Mortal Kombat, designing a collection for the 15th annual Supima Design Competition, working with a dye house, and the importance of time management.
How Fabian Renteria Showed at NYFW Just One Year After Graduating from FIDM
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBImagine flying to New York City and showing in New York Fashion Week just a year after showcasing your first collection in FIDM’s DEBUT Runway Show. In this week’s episode of Your FIDM Story, Spencer talks with designer Fabian Renteria. Listen along as Fabian discusses his journey to FIDM, his premiere collection inspired by Mortal Kombat, designing a collection for the 15th annual Supima Design Competition, working with a dye house, and the importance of time management.
The Creative Behind Mattel's Flagship Brand Barbie - Kim Culmone
May 18, 2022 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIn this bonus episode of the Your FIDM Story podcast, FIDM Senior Writer Gigi Hooghkirk talks with FIDM alumna Kim Culmone. Since February 2019, Kim has served as the Senior Vice President, and Global Head of Design for Barbie and Fashion Dolls at Mattel Inc. Kim is entrusted with the creative direction of Mattel’s flagship brand Barbie – a category leader in innovation and a source of inspiration to children around the world for over 60 years. Listen along as Kim talks about her FIDM Story...
Your Career in Social Media - Whitney Sutherland, Mina Sanders, and Fanny Ramirez
February 02, 2022 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this week’s special season two finale, Caitlin is joined by not one but three FIDM alumna from the world of social media! Whitney Sutherland (Creative Producer for Remi Cruz ), Mina Sanders (Social Media Marketing Assistant at Kora Organics), and Fanny Ramirez (Sr. Social Media Coordinator at FIDM) join the podcast to talk about their FIDM experiences, getting their Bachelor's in the FIDM Business Management program and the changing social media landscape.
Randy Dunbar - The Path of a Creative Director
January 26, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBA longtime instructor at FIDM, Los Angeles native Randy Dunbar has enjoyed a storied career in the world of magazines and graphic design. He’s worked as a Designer, Art Director, and Creative Director for numerous publications, including GQ, Self, Health, Home, Muscle & Fitness, and The Advocate, among others. He’s currently the Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director of SoCal Magazine. In this week's episode, Caitlin talks with Randy about his incredible career and his work with the FIDM stud...
Chidimma Abuka - Layering Your Education
January 19, 2022 14:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBThis week’s episode is hosted by FIDM Senior Writer Gigi Hooghkirk who manages our online Success Stories. Listen along as Gigi speaks with Chidimma Abuka about her position as a Sustainability Specialist at Gensler, a global design and architecture firm with offices in 49 cities in 16 countries worldwide. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Global Leadership and Change at Pepperdine University, Chidimma holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Concordia University, a Master of ...
Joanie Coyote - From Costume Designer to Comedian to FIDM Instructor
January 12, 2022 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBFIDM Instructor Joanie Willgues aka Joanie Coyote has extensive industry experience as a theatre costume designer, artist, and fashion historian. She's also a stand-up comedian. In this week's episode, prepare to laugh, learn, and get inspired as Caitlin catches up with Joanie about her career, their mutual love for theatre and fashion history, the creative environment at FIDM, and the power of dreaming.
Ami Silverman - From Regional VP at Ann Taylor to Corporate VP at Microsoft
January 05, 2022 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBThis week's episode features Ami Silverman, Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Consumer Channel Sales and Marketing. Listen along as the FIDM Merchandising & Marketing Grad talks about how her two-decade career in the apparel industry prepared her for a career in technology. Tom Henkenius, Director FIDM’s Bachelor’s Degrees in Digital Marketing and Graphic Design, returns as our special guest host.
Samantha Jones - Entrepreneurism in the Pandemic
December 29, 2021 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBLike so many creatives during the pandemic, Samantha Jones found herself in the unfortunate situation of being furloughed from her place of employment. Turning lemons into lemonade, she used the time to launch her own business in the luxury swimwear market. With the purpose of selling high-quality fabrics and fits to women everywhere, she created Beau Swim. Samantha graduated from FIDM with a degree in Merchandise Product Development and a Bachelor’s in Business Management. Caitlin Benson ta...
Niki Shadrow Snyder & John Snyder - Thriving By Giving
December 22, 2021 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBMerchandising & Marketing Graduate Niki Shadrow Snyder is the Life & Style editor of Hollywood Weekly magazine and the co-founder of Project Pop Drop, the idea of which she conceived on her first date with her husband, John Snyder. In collaboration with Emmy Award-Winning producer Gary Reeves, Niki and John launched The Givefluencer Network, redefining what it means to be an influencer, or as they call it, a "givefluencer". Listen along as Caitlin Benson chats with Niki and John about Projec...
Paul Olszewski - Storytelling Through Macy’s Holiday Window Displays
December 15, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBPrior to his position as Creative Director for FIDM, Paul Olszewski was National Director of Windows & Flagship Visual Marketing for Macy's Inc., famously designing the iconic holiday windows at Macy’s Heralds Square on 34th Street in New York. With a B.A. in Studio Art from California State University, Long Beach, Paul has worked in the field of Visual Presentation for over 25 years. After a 15-year career at Neiman Marcus on both coasts, he worked for New York industry leaders including Be...
Marina Toybina - From FIDM Student to Multi-Emmy Award Winning Designer
December 08, 2021 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBMarina Toybina has won six Emmy awards as a costume designer, two of which were for her work on FOX’s The Masked Singer, making her one of the most decorated FIDM Graduates of all time. At eleven years old, Marina moved from Moscow to Phoenix, Arizona. After high school, she decided to chase her passion and moved to Los Angeles to study Fashion Design at FIDM. Before she had even graduated, she launched a fashion line with fellow FIDM Student Ashton Hirota. Her drive and talent led her into ...
Lauren James - Finding the Confidence to Pursue Your Dreams
December 01, 2021 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBGrowing up, Lauren James always had an interest in art. After community college, she became the third person in her family to attend FIDM, following her sister, Visual Communications alumna, and mother who studied Interior Design and became a set decorator on the hit television sitcom Friends. While at FIDM, Lauren’s curiosity for art and art history, as well as a desire to begin a career in Museum and Gallery Education, inspired her to begin docent work at the J. Paul Getty Museum as a Gall...
Tristan Detwiler - Turning Antique Textiles With a Story Into Wearable Pieces of Art
October 27, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBSan Diego native Tristan Detwiler studied Fashion Design at FIDM after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Southern California. The artist, model, and surfer is the Founder of Stan, a Los Angeles-based clothing brand of unique pieces crafted from antique textiles found around the world. Currently on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,, the label prides itself on detail-oriented techniques such as quilting and appliqué. In this episode, Caitlin Benson...
Taylor King - When Trusting Your Gut Paves The Way to Success
October 20, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBHailing from Bloomington, Indiana, Taylor King came to FIDM in 2015, and later graduated in 2019 with a B.A. in Digital Cinema. A Social Ambassador for FIDM while she was in college, Taylor now has 124,000 followers on both YouTube and Instagram for TK’s Juicy Polls. The producer for YouTuber Alisha Marie, Taylor has been featured in the New York Post and photographed by Tyler Shields. In today’s episode, fellow grad and FIDM Senior Social Media Coordinator Fanny Ramirez chats with the conte...
Kimberly Rodriguez - Igniting Your Passions
October 13, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBKimberly Rodriguez was already managing AllSaints stores in Orange County, California, when she earned a degree in Merchandise Product Development from FIDM. She planned to transition into product development within the company, but then the pandemic hit, and the position was eliminated. So Kimberly turned inward and focused on herself. After realizing that candles were selling out in the Covid era, she decided to launch La’ F.E.M., a collection of minimalistic and eco-friendly vegan candles...
Krystle Krueger - Wife, Mom, and Designer Creates Children's Clothing With a Purpose
October 06, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBLA native, Krystle Krueger earned a Fashion Design degree from FIDM in 2015. After working in the industry since graduation, she decided to strike out on her own as an entrepreneur. Her new children’s wear collection, Fashion Is Art, celebrates cultures from around the world while also serving to encourage children to be independent learners. In this episode, Caitlin Benson chats with Krystle about her creative journey, from spray painting muslin and acing her flat sketching class at FIDM to...
Annie Smith - Founding a Creative Agency in the Midst of a Pandemic
September 29, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBWhen the Covid-19 health crisis hit Los Angeles, Annie Smith lost her job in Trade Marketing at Red Bull. She gave herself exactly one day to regroup, then she filed for an LLC taking Red Bull with her as her first client. Specializing in social media marketing and graphic design, Solanas Creative has added many clients to their roster since their start one and a half years ago, including Khloé Kardashian’s Dose & Co. and Jilaine Swim, launched by former FIDM classmate Brooke Shannon. In thi...
Shira Berman - Launching a Career in Beauty Product Development
September 22, 2021 07:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBAt five years old she made a magazine complete with hand-drawn advertisements for made up beauty products. At thirteen, she conducted a massive research project on beauty marketing, exploring the pitfalls of Photoshop and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry. Now an Account Development Coordinator for Intercos, a global cosmetic contract manufacturer that specializes in development, production, and packaging for major beauty brands, Beauty Marketing & Product Deve...
Elin Dannerstedt - Filling a Niche in the Market
September 15, 2021 07:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBNCLA Beauty CEO and FIDM Merchandise Product Development Graduate Elin Dannerstedt started her LA-based brand in her studio apartment in 2010 after noticing a gap in the market for nail stickers. She quickly found success, and NCLA went on to collaborate with iconic names such as Beyoncé, Hello Kitty, Disney, and Barbie. But Elin knew the trend-driven product wouldn’t be popular forever. Today, the clean beauty collection known for its delicious scents and modern packaging has evolved to inc...
Aneesha DuBois - Taking Charge of Your Life
September 08, 2021 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBDigital Marketing Instructor Aneesha DuBois brings years of valuable experience to the classroom thanks to a career that’s spanned television production, public relations, voice acting, and entrepreneurship. After working as an Associate Producer at E! News and Public Relations Director for Wildfox and Australian Fashion Labels (AFL), Aneesha realized she wanted the freedom to work from home and be in charge of her schedule. In 2018, she co-founded WELL(UN)KNOWN, a Los Angeles-based online r...
Daniel Kasidi - An Entrepreneur’s Mission to Spread Positivity
September 01, 2021 14:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBWith $4K in savings, a degree in Apparel Industry Management, and experience working in the industry, Daniel Kasidi has spent the last decade building a multi-million dollar business centered around spreading positivity. With his accessory brand Rastaclat, he has created a global brand community of over 10 million customers and has forged licensing partnerships with formidable sports leagues like the NBA, MLB, and 2020 Olympics. Now expanding the brand into a multi-category company, Daniel t...
Chloe White - The Changing Dream
August 26, 2021 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBChloe White has always been a person who honors her truth. From the start, she has not shied away from reassessing her goals and making the necessary adjustments to reflect her priorities. Originally a fine arts student at Maine College of Art, she followed her love for graphic design to FIDM. She turned her internship at Create & Cultivate into a full-time position and traveled extensively, then shifted again and explored freelance life in Los Angeles. She's since returned to her home state...
Kayla Coleman - Dispelling Myths Surrounding Fashion College
August 26, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBShe didn't want her daughter to attend a fashion college, and her body language reflected it. But as the campus tour continued, Kayla's mom slowly began to uncross her arms as a smile replaced her uncertainty. Visual Communications grad Kayla Coleman tells Caitlin Benson her FIDM Story, from getting her parents on board to learning everything from design and styling to writing and public relations. Her education made her a top candidate and one of the first hires at Kylie Cosmetics. Now free...
Your FIDM Story - Trailer
August 13, 2021 22:00 - 1 minute - 889 KBWelcome to the Your FIDM Story Podcast. FIDM is a world-renowned college in Los Angeles that has been teaching students how to become creative professionals for more than 50 years. We are a community of thinkers, dreamers, and innovators, committed to making an impact on the world through the application of design and business principles. Each week, we'll sit down with members of the community: students, alumni, faculty, and staff, where you’ll hear stories of success, failure, and life l...